Today, when the global environmental conditions are changing, with temperatures in some areas rising faster and the pollution of the seas, oceans, land, and air space, eco-friendly tourism grows popular. It happens in connection with the broad adoption of the concept of sustainable development. Below is a list of places to consider visiting if you’re a mountain bike enthusiast concerned about the health and ecology of tourism.
New Zealand
A country that lies on the other side of the planet, New Zealand is a great destination for those who want to enjoy bike tours. At the best times of the year, locals and visitors alike take advantage of the weather by cycling the mountains and trails.
In addition, it is very popular among professionals for preparation before important championships, since in addition to mountains, the country contains great locations with downhill tracks and structures.
Some of the best specific places to practice in this fantastic country include:
- Gorge Road Jump Park – one of the best tracks for admirers of dirt jumps from around the world.
- Rainbow Mountain in Rotorua – below the famous Maungakaramea mountain, that starts with a perfect descent, with several sceneries that surprise those who pass by, with natural and thermal pools. It is located in the region known as Kerosene Creek.
- Skyline Gravity Mountain Biking Park, also in Rotorua, which hosted the The 2006 UCI Mountain Bike & Trials World Championships. It offers high level downhill and slopestyle trails, with facilities placed on Ngongotaha Mountain.
La Ruta de los Conquistadores
If you want to take part in this mountain bike race, you’ll need to be very lucky. Located in Costa Rica and running from west to east over 200 miles, this mountain race is divided into stages.
For those who are not used to the Caribbean climate, the differences in humidity and temperature may be your main challenge, and you run the risk of encountering various setbacks.
But, if we may say so, the natural beauty of the landscapes on this route will be well worth it, with incredible views not found just anywhere.
Rovaniemi
Let’s start our list with one of the most challenging mountains in the world, but with a great view for those who want to explore new places for mountain biking.
Located in Finland, more precisely in Rovaniemi, this mountain has a circular route of 90 miles on polar terrain and the challenge is to complete this lap in less than 42 hours.
The first thing that the organization of the site warns is that if you want to participate in this challenge, know that it is a dangerous race and we must take into consideration whether we are in the ideal physical and mental shape to endure this type of race.
Andalucia
Without a shadow of a doubt, the landscapes and routes you pass through in the AndalucÃa race will already make for a great experience.
The course has a high number of amateur and professional participants, in addition to its excellent organization at all points. This is what makes the AndalucÃa one of the best mountain bike races in the world.
The race is divided into six days, with several stages that pass through places between the provinces of Jaén and Córdoba – AndalucÃa, in Spain. The climate is very good and the landscapes are perfect to enjoy. For this reason, it is considered one of the best mountains for mountain biking on the planet.
Cape Epic
Considered by many to be the best mountain bike race on the planet today, this course has stages of over 500 miles across South Africa.
To participate, you will be placed in a group of cyclists who will accompany you along the way. After all, you can’t do this challenge alone. Groups can be formed starting at two people.
The average duration is eight days. The Cape Epic attracts a very high number of professional cyclists every year, and they come from all over the world.
Yak Attack
One of the most difficult routes in the world, Yak Attack is the world’s highest mountain pass, with over 39,000 feet of vertical climbing combined.
And it is certainly another spectacular and extreme race. Its course contains approximately 250 miles and is divided into eight stages and runs along the edge of the Himalayas.
British Columbia
Last but not least, this country located in the extreme north of the American continent has been used for filming countless bike movies, especially the views of Whistler and the North Shore.
Another popular place for mountain biking is the famous Retallack region. After the winter, it is a perfect place for a free ride through the mountains. And in winter, it is a reference for the practice of skiing.
Here are some more places in Canada that have the best mountain biking mountains on the planet:
- Whistler. One of the best mountain biking locations in the country. To enjoy this scenery, all you need to do is secure your ski lift pass.
- North Shore. This region is known as the cradle of freeride mountain biking. The area offers seemingly endless trails that have been used by movie studios to shoot great scenes for their movies. With specially designed mountain bike trails (which make the routes even more fun), it is a dream destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. This stunning destination (equipped with lodging, shuttles, information centers and specialty stores) is located north of Vancouver. The North Shore offers a wide selection of mountain routes and trails in an exceptional setting at the foot of giant trees.
- Coast Gravity Mountain Bike Park and Trails, Sechelt. A park designed specifically for cyclists and offering all sorts of obstacles for you to enjoy your bike ride.
These are some of the best destinations that mountain biking fans shall admire, but there are many others all over the world. Of course, mountain bike trails impact local terrain and flora. Yet the better practices in the destinations listed above minimize the negative ramifications of tourist inflow. And, with bike rentals available, enthusiasts from New York enjoy the opportunity to go on bike tours without even leaving the City.